The Judicial Conduct Board filed a formal complaint against District Justice Richard K. McCarthy alleging (1) that between 1999 and 2001 he engaged in a course of conduct whereby he frequented local bars, during and after district court business hours, to consume alcoholic beverages; and (2) that he repeatedly exhibited commonly accepted and recognized signs of alcohol intoxication and behaved in a manner grossly inappropriate while at these public places. The judicial officer and the Board submitted stipulated facts in lieu of trial. Based upon those facts, the Court concluded that such conduct (1) brought the judicial office into disrepute and (2) violated Article V, §18(d)(1) of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Following a sanction hearing, the Court (1) suspended Respondent from office for a period of six (6) months, specifying that the first two (2) months be without pay and that Respondent’s medical benefits were not to be affected during the suspension; and (2) placed Respondent on probation for one year following the suspension.

Full details of decision:

Per Curiam Order (May 20, 2003)

Opinion (O'Dell Seneca, J. - May 20, 2003)

Sanction Order (July 14, 2003)

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